Mental Health Drug & Alcohol

27 March 2018

www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NSLHD.MHDA

News

Cabra-ra Nanga—page 3 ‘Death on the Beach’ conference—page 8

TRN graduation—page 5 Doll therapy for older people at Manly—page 6

Directors report

- Andrea Taylor

Page 1 | NSLHD Mental Health Drug & Alcohol News | 27 March 2018

Congratulations to our newest Transitional

Registered and Enrolled Nurses who

graduated from our development program

on March 2, 2018.

This highly successful program has been running for many

years now, and supports nurses transitioning into roles in

MHDA.

I’m particularly pleased with the new perpetual plaque

that has been placed in the MHDA Executive corridor. The

TRN of the Year Award has been long standing, however

not had proper recognition through time. Mark Joyce

(Director of Nursing, MHDA) has instituted a plaque that

will include the names of the TRN of the Year to

acknowledge their achievement in this excellent program.

Another pocket of excellence I’d like to acknowledge is the

work happening at Hornsby Hospital under the leadership

of Leanne Frizzel.

We are receiving multiple, beautiful, detailed compliments

from the adult mental health unit at Hornsby, for the

recovery-oriented, person-centred approach taken by the

multidisciplinary team there. The compliments far

outweigh the complaints, reflecting great leadership and

culture change.

Congratulations also go to our Pathways to Community

Living (PCLI) team, Macquarie Hospital and partners, on

the ongoing success of this program. To date, a total of 46

people who were at Macquarie Hospital have how

transitioned to appropriate community living.

Engaging consumers and the people in their support

networks in care, through all stages of care, is of

paramount importance.

I’d like to draw your attention to the article by Suzy Glover

(Clinical Nurse Consultant—Clinical Practice Development)

on page 7, on person centred care.

Collaborative care planning is one key way clinicians can,

and should, be partnering with our customers.

A collaborative care plan involves really listening to

customers, giving them the time to explain the issues as

they see them, how they think the issues might be best

resolved (or their strengths, and how they might best be

used), and to describe what recovery and living a

meaningful life looks like for them.

It’s also about clinicians explaining their assessment

results, the issues and the consumers strengths to the

customer as the clinician sees them, how the clinician

thinks things might be best addressed, and engaging in

conversation with the customer and their support people

about which course of action should be taken, when.

Sometimes, customers are focused in the future with their

goal setting. Collaborative care planning is an opportunity

to acknowledge and document their goals, and help them

understand all the steps needed to get there.

Finally, I’d like to acknowledge my fellow social workers in

our service. March is national Social Work Month, and on

March 20 we celebrated World Social Work Day.

World Social Work Day is when we celebrate and

recognise social workers as champions for social justice,

self-determination and human rights.

Social workers are skilled, knowledgeable and specialise in

issues related to social and emotional wellbeing. Working

holistically with individuals, families and communities,

social workers are

passionate advocates for

a fairer Australia.

Spread the good news

Share your news, achievements and events with your

colleagues, or let us know what you’d like to hear more about in

the newsletter.

Contact Kate Jeffrey at Kate.Jeffrey@health.nsw.gov.au or on

88775340 to submit your story.

Publication is at the discretion of the editor. Items may be edited for

length, style and quality.

Page 2 | NSLHD Mental Health Drug & Alcohol News | 27 March 2018

North Shore Ryde farewells Sue Capel

Sue Capel has retired after more than 11 years as Service

Director and 30 years hard work and dedication to the

North Shore Ryde Mental Health Service as a clinician and

manager.

Sue has provided exceptional leadership, implementing

many changes over this time.

Key achievements include bringing the Royal North Shore

(RNS) and Ryde services together under one banner,

establishing a new Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre

(PECC) and Community Mental Health Centre at RNS

Hospital, renovating and upgrading the Ryde Community

Mental Health Centre and developing and moving in to a

new mental health inpatient unit at RNS.

We have seen an ever increasing number of people

experiencing mental health issues in the Emergency

Department over this time, and Sue has supported her

teams to rise to the challenge to meet demand.

Sue also lead the development and implementation of a

new model of care in the RNS mental health inpatient unit

with the addition of Exercise Physiology, Dietitian,

Diversional Therapist and a Clinical Psychologist.

Sue has forged strong relationships across departments

within RNS and Ryde Hospitals as well as with partners

such as Police and Ambulance services.

Sue has developed a strong team culture of innovative

practice and embedded a commitment to keeping

consumers and carers central in service planning and in

the delivery of person centred care.

We wish her well in this exciting new phase of life and

whilst she will be sadly missed, her energy and “can do”

attitude will be carried on through all those who she has

worked with.

Karen Barfoot is acting Service Director for North Shore

Ryde Mental Health Services and the announcement of

Sue’s successor is imminent.

When people don’t consume enough food or water they

lose muscle and strength, become unsteady on their feet,

can feel weak and/or dizzy, which can lead to a fall.

Eating a healthy balanced diet is important for maintaining

muscle mass and muscle strength to reduce the risk of

sarcopaenia (muscle wasting), frailty and fall-related

injury. People who are undernourished or have

unintentionally lost weight are more likely to be admitted

to hospital and have increased incidences of falls, hip

fractures, poor wound healing and osteoporosis.

Eating well and staying active is important for everyone.

Please visit the Active and Healthy website to find

appropriate exercise programs for you, consumers and

carers: www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au

Posters and resources for the event can be found on the

CEC website: www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/patient-safety-

programs/adult-patient-safety/falls-prevention/april-falls-

day-2018

2017 saw an abundance of activity across MHDA so the

MHDA Falls Committee looks forward to seeing all the

2018 efforts!

Eating well to prevent falls

Above (L-R): Andrea Taylor (Director MHDA) with Sue Capel and some of her farewell gifts from staff across the service.

By Karen Barfoot

By Kerrie Cunningham

Page 3| NSLHD Mental Health Drug & Alcohol News | 27 March 2018

The Gaimaragal Group held a Northern Sydney First

Nations Wellbeing Day at a local cultural site on the banks

of Narrabeen Lagoon on Sunday February 18, 2018.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from across

NSLHD and beyond attended the day, which provided

opportunities to:

reflect and promote traditional views regarding overall

health and wellbeing; physical, mental and spiritual, as

one

hold traditional healing events and share traditional

knowledge

provide contemporary health education and health

promotion

support the Northern Sydney Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander community to come together and

connect

Susan Moylan-Coombs, Director of The Gaimaragal

Group and one of the key organisers, said: “Sydney

North Primary Health Network has been actively

working with The Gaimaragal Group to co-design a

new model and systems of care. We want to

reinvigorate old ways of cultural wellbeing for an

aspirational modern service system in Northern

Sydney.”

The event started with Welcome to Country and a

cleansing smoking ceremony. There were guided

walks, healing circles, a healing tent, Uncle Fred’s

bush tucker to eat (as well as some fantastic paella),

weaving lessons with Aunty Karleen, and opportunities to

connect with culture and with services. Taronga Zoo

brought some animals to meet, and the Reserve Bank

Australia talked economics.

A number of NSLHD staff and teams were on hand to

provide information and resources on the day, including

the Aboriginal Health Service, headspace and Health

Promotion.

MHDA representatives from the Specialist Rehabilitation

Service and the Older Peoples’ Mental Health Service held

an interactive information stall for visitors. They used a

Wellness Wheel to engage and encourage people to share

what they do to promote their personal wellness, which

included body, mind, people, emotions and spirit.

Caber-ra Nanga: First Nations wellbeing day

Above left: Welcome by Uncle Dennis Foley and Susan Moylan-Coombs; centre: Julie (NSLHD Health Promotion), Lyndal, Valencia and Aimee (Specialist Rehabilitation Service MHDA), and Kerrie (Older Persons Mental Health Service); right: ochre to connect us and keep us safe. Above top: the Welcome, ochre and smoking ceremony (photo by Susan Moylan-Coombs).

By Kerrie Cunningham

Page 4 | NSLHD Mental Health Drug & Alcohol News | 27 March 2018

Congratulations to Dr Glib Popov and Dr Myles Gutkin

whose exceptional work in medical student teaching was

recognised at the Sydney Medical School-Northern's

annual prize evening held in the Kolling Auditorium on

March 13, 2018.

Dr Glib Popov received the Registrar Teaching Award. This

is a prestigious award, open to registrars of any discipline.

A University of Sydney graduate, he started his career as

an intern in Northern Sydney, including working in

psychiatry at Manly Hospital, and later joined our registrar

training scheme. He is presently based at Royal North

Shore Hospital.

Dr Myles Gutkin received the Specialty Block Teaching

Award for his contribution to medical student teaching,

however was unfortunately unable to attend the event,

with a colleague accepting the award on his behalf. He has

attained his Fellowship in the Northern Sydney / Central

Coast psychiatry training program and is continuing to on

research at Royal

North Shore

Hospital. The

feedback he has

received from

medical students

with regard to his

tutoring was

glowing.

Two prestigious medical teaching awards

Above (L-R): Dr Glib Popov receiving his award from Dr Rupert Edwards, Director of Physician Education, RNSH.

After delaying her retirement four times in order to

support the Northern Beaches Assertive Outreach Team

(AOT) in their transition to Brookvale Community Health

Centre, well known and loved Administration Officer

Annette McLean finally got to make her move in February.

Annette started at Manly Hospital in Human Resource

Management in 1994 and also worked as the

Administration Officer in Manly Hospital Emergency

Department for a few years. She’s spent the last 20 years

of her career with AOT.

Annette’s calm professionalism and friendly nature are

two big qualities and she is well known and respected by

the consumers of the service.

Annette is a familiar face and always approachable, giving

a sense of calm to sometimes not so calm situations. She

has been a highly valued member of the team and wider

mental health community and will be greatly missed.

Annette was instrumental in the teams successful

transition to the new Brookvale Community Health

Centre, and they are very grateful she postponed her

retirement.

The staff of the AOT said farewell with an afternoon tea

where they presented Annette with a gold watch to

symbolise the value attributed to the time she spent with

the service (pictured below).

AOT Team Leader, Geoff Mitchell said: “We wish Annette

all the best in her future pursuits, and look forward to

catching up to hear about her adventures. She’ll be dearly

missed by the team and the consumers using the service.”

Fourth time lucky for Annette

MHDA REWARD & RECOGNITION

Nominations are open from April 16 to June 1, 2018

Coming

soon!

By Geoff Mitchell

Page 5 | NSLHD Mental Health Drug & Alcohol News | 27 March 2018

The TRN experience Morelle Reeves (pictured front cover) recently graduated

from our Transitional Registered Nurse (TRN) program.

These are her words:

Being a mature aged TRN that has not “grown up”

working in our health system, I have an outsiders

advantage. I have had the opportunity to glimpse other

corporate cultures, personally and vicariously via friends

that work in various industries.

I have in the past been accused of being a “bit of a

Pollyanna”, but my experience over the last year has

been one of coming to work to an environment where I

can see the CORE values of our organisation in action,

each and every day - not only in the way our patients/

clients are treated but also in the interactions between

staff.

I believe this culture we inherent is a rare and precious

thing. It is something to be proud of in a world of cheap

slogans, manifestos and mantras.

Each one of the 2017 TRNs will have had numerous

people throughout the year, who by embodying our

CORE values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect and

Empowerment have contributed to our learning and

development as mental health practitioners. This will

have taken place on both a formal and informal basis.

I have the privileged task of thanking those that have

been formally involved in our TRN year. True, again, to

our CORE values, our TRN year has involved many

dedicated people: educators, coordinators, NUMs,

preceptors and clinical supervisors in each of the wards/

sectors that we have worked in – at the risk leaving

someone out I will not mention names.

To all of you – a HUGE thank you from all of us. And a

special “thank you”, to Rosie Gallagher, who retains a

delightful and infectious passion for a profession that we

all know can be tough at times. Our TRN study blocks

have been a highlight of the last year – to the TRNs

starting off this year – you are in for a treat!

The Transition to Specialty Practice Program (TSPP)

provides educational and clinical support to newly

graduated Transitional Registered Nurses (TRNs) and

Transitional Enrolled Nurses (TENs) embarking upon a

career in Mental Health Drug and Alcohol nursing at

NSLHD.

The program requires a 12-month commitment by

participants. Those TRNs and TENs who complete the

program have their efforts and participation recognised at

an annual graduation ceremony. Our most recent

graduates were celebrated on March 2, 2018.

The event was attended by graduates and their families, as

well as some of the new intake of TRNs commencing the

program in 2018. Special guests included Anthony

Dombkins (Director of Nursing and Midwifery NSLHD),

Mark Joyce (Director of Nursing, MHDA), and some of the

key support personnel involved in providing support and

education for the graduating class, including Diane Paul,

the new Clinical Nurse Specialist for Practice Development

who provides educational and clinical support to TRNs

during community placements. Nick Miles, Drug and

Alcohol Nurse Practitioner delivered an inspiring keynote

presentation.

The TRN of the Year Award was presented to Yasmin-

Hudson Hoyle by Mark Joyce (DON MHDA). Her name is

the first to appear on a new perpetual plaque which has

been installed in the MHDA Executive corridor in the

Cameron Building at Macquarie Hospital, seeking to

honour and acknowledge all the exceptional TRNs who

receive this award.

Above: Mark Joyce and TRN of the Year, Yasmin Hudson Hoyle; Right: the graduating class and some of their key supporters.

By Rosie Gallagher

Page 6 | NSLHD Mental Health Drug & Alcohol News |27 March 2018

Doll therapy at Manly The Older People’s Mental Health Acute Inpatient Unit at

Manly Hospital welcomed an adorable duo (pictured right)

courtesy of MHDA Older People’s MHS on March 15,

2018.

The team are introducing doll therapy as a therapeutic

intervention to engage and treat those admitted with

dementia. Doll therapy isn’t for everyone and the team

will carefully assess the suitability of consumers and

carers. The positives of doll therapy may include:

increased positive social behaviour, reduced need for

pharmacological

intervention, reduced

behavioural disturbance,

and it can assist consumers

to express unmet needs.

The Manly Daily published a story on February 12, 1998

about a new service called Brookvale Early Intervention

Centre (BEIC), part of Northern Beaches Mental Health

Service.

The article described some of the symptoms of psychosis

and stressed the importance of early intervention. It said

that the team, led by Bev Moss, would “be on hand to

provide information for people and their families about

psychosis and support during recovery”.

BEIC now celebrates 20 years of service to their local

community! It has recently moved from a little cottage in

Brookvale into the new Brookvale Community Health

Centre.

Psychosis is characterised by a range of experiences that

are out of touch with reality. Young people may hear

voices that others cannot hear, or see things that are not

actually there but seem very real. They may also have

thoughts and ideas that are out of keeping with their

culture and usual beliefs. Often these thoughts are

frightening or unpleasant, like

believing that people are plotting to

harm them or laser beams are

interfering with their thoughts. There

are many reasons why a young person

may experience psychosis. Treatment

most likely includes medication, but

the clinicians also work with the young

person and their family to understand

their experiences and to support their

recovery.

Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Grant Sara, has worked with

the BEIC team for the past 14 years and will be leaving his

position in March.

Words cannot adequately describe the huge contribution

that he has made to the BEIC service in that time, and we

would just like to say a big thank you for his leadership

and his support of the staff, young people and their

families.

Grant has also contributed to education of clinicians and

registrars during his time with BEIC, and given so much of

his valuable time to the service.

Grant is leaving to focus on his full time role within

InforMH and ways of improving data for mental health

care, particularly focusing on the physical health of mental

health consumers.

Grant says: “I am very grateful to have had the

opportunity to work with great and committed clinicians,

and inspiring young people and their families.”

20 years of early psychosis intervention

Above left: photo of Bev Moss from the 1998 Manly Daily article; right: BEIC team (L-

R): Grant, Phil, Gill, Diane, Laura and Dominica

Left: stock photo of doll therapy

By Kerrie Cunningham

By Bev Moss

Page 7 | NSLHD Mental Health Drug & Alcohol News | 27 March 2018

Person centred care What is Person Centred Care?

Person-centred care is a way of thinking and doing that

sees the individuals who are using health and social

services as equal partners in planning, developing and

monitoring their individualised care.

This means clinicians putting the people accessing

healthcare and their families at the centre of decision

making; viewing them as the experts in their own health,

culture, care and needs.

Person-centred care is about providing

information about a persons health,

illness and care so that they can be

equal partners in decision-making; as

well as finding out what and who

matters to them; understanding and

considering their desires, values,

family situations, social circumstances and lifestyle; seeing

the person as an individual, and proactively working

together to develop appropriate solutions that will

support their recovery.

Person Centred Care Checklist for clinicians

Get to know the consumer as a person and recognise

their individuality; provide compassionate,

individualised care.

Truly accept and understand that the consumer is the

expert in their own culture, health, illness and care.

Be curious - what matters to the consumer? Who

matters to the consumer? What information does the

consumer need? How can we make the system more

accessible to the consumers needs?

Share power, responsibility and information.

Take a holistic approach to assessing people’s needs

and providing care that includes families where

appropriate.

Make sure that services are accessible, flexible and

easy to navigate.

Look at each individual’s whole experience of care to

promote ease of access, coordination and

continuity.

Make sure that the physical, cultural

and psychosocial environment of health

services supports person-centred care.

Support your colleagues to feel

empowered and competent to put people

at the centre of their care.

How are we working toward improved person centre

care in MHDA?

Across MHDA services person-centred care projects are

being developed and taking place, supported by Essentials

of Care, Productive Mental Health Ward and Safe Wards

methodologies. Over the next few months an overview of

these projects that place the consumer at the centre of

care will be presented in this newsletter.

Key references:

Barry, M. J., & Edgman-Levitan, S. (2012). Shared decision

making—the pinnacle of patient-centered care. New England

Journal of Medicine, 366(9), 780-781.

Lester, H. (2012). Nothing about me without me…?. Br J Gen

Pract, 62(594), 42-42.

NSLHD showcase innovation Over the next month the fantastic work of staff across

NSLHD will be celebrated with the ‘NSLHD Showcase’. The

NSLHD Showcase is a district wide event to celebrate and

promote the staff, teams and achievements of our District.

The Showcase will occur with online promotion of the

projects and a physical poster display rotating across all

hospital sites. For all projects, see:

www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/improvementhub/Pages/

News-Events.aspx

Roaming Poster Display Date Place

12 - 16 March Hornsby Hospital, STAR and Lumby Building

19 - 23 March Ryde Hospital

19 – 23 March Manly Hospital

19 – 23 March Brookvale Community Health Centre

26 - 29 March Royal North Shore Hospital

9 – 13 April Mona Vale Hospital

9 – 13 April Macquarie Hospital, Cameron Building Foyer

By Suzy Glover

By Gyani Swift

Capacity Australia held the first world conference ‘Death

on the Beach’, on End of Life Psychiatry, bringing together

an international cohort of expert speakers in psychiatry,

palliative care, geriatrics, intensive care and law to extend

the concept of successful or healthy aging to ‘Positive

Dying’ on March 1, 2018.

Several NSLHD Older People’s Mental Health Service

(OPMHS) representatives were present on the day to learn

and share (pictured on the newsletter cover).

Attendees heard from Dr Liz Sampson (UK) who talked

about the positive cultural shift taking place in the UK with

services embracing collaborative end of life care planning

and coordination. She emphasised the importance of

conversation initiation and reminded us not to expect

someone else to have the conversation: if in doubt ask

and talk.

Professor Meera Agar (Australia) presented her work on

cognitive issues in the end of life and gave an empowering

speech about people’s ability to say goodbye.

Professor Ken Hillman (Australia) specialises in intensive

care and gave a wonderful talk on his experiences. He

described the consequences for consumers, carers and

treating teams who never had the talk about death and

dying.

Nicoleta Tataru (Romania) and Professor Carmelle Peisah

(Australia) discussed ethics and the law at end of life and

also gave a cross cultural reflection of their experiences.

Everyone has the right to make their own decisions, or if

needed the right to have support to make their own

decisions. The theme of the day was clear: guessing is not

best practice, have the conversation, plan and be certain!

For NSLHD staff there are several online learning options

to extend knowledge about end of life care. These include:

Introduction to Advanced Care Planning (Course Code

39997722); SHAPE End of life Conversations (Course Code

88619342); and End of Life Supportive Care (Course Code

69280181). Each module takes 20-30minutes. Further

information and resources for staff can also be found on

the intranet.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

Page 8 | NSLHD Mental Health Drug & Alcohol News | 27 March 2018

‘Death on the Beach’

Pictured above: presenters from the ‘Death on the Beach’ end of life conference.

The School-link Coordinator and Early Psychosis

Consultant in the Child & Youth Mental Health Service will

be offering this 2 day course to staff of NSLHD.

This course is NOT for mental health clinicians. It is

suitable for administrative staff and AINs working in youth

mental health settings, and for any health staff who have

contact with adolescents in general and primary health

care settings.

The Youth MHFA Course is for adults working or living

with young people aged from 12 to 18 years. It teaches

adults how to assist young people who are developing a

mental illness, experiencing a worsening of an existing

mental health problem or a mental health crisis, until

appropriate professional help is received or the crisis

resolves.

Course participants learn about adolescent development,

the signs and symptoms of common and disabling mental

health problems in young people, where and how to get

help when a young person is developing a mental illness,

what sort of help has been shown by research to be

effective, and how to provide first aid in a crisis situation.

Topics covered include: depression (including suicidal

thoughts and behaviours); anxiety (including panic attacks

and traumatic events); psychosis; substance use

problems; eating disorders; and non-suicidal self injury

(self harm).

The first course for 2018 will be held on June 5 & 19 at

Macquarie Hospital. Registration is via My Health

Learning. Enquiries to: Bev Moss at:

beverley.moss@health.nsw.gov.au

By Kerrie Cunningham

By Bev Moss

Compliments North Shore Ryde: to Di and the team at Ryde Older

People’s Mental Health, from a consumer for the support;

and from Di’s manager, acknowledging the perseverance,

support and outreach, which was outstanding, and its

positive impact, with the consumer now engaged with her

community, happy and enjoying life.

MHDA: to Bev (CETD MHDA) for the Jump Start! Project

Management training day, from a participant: ”I learnt so

much and the tools will certainly be a wonderful asset to

me going forward. I have recommended the training to my

colleagues.”

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai: from a consumer to the team in the

Adult Mental Health Unit: “I nearly lost my life… being

here I have learnt so much about myself, the mind, stress,

triggers and so many tools how to get through life, live

and enjoy it…” he thanked nurses Kristy, Chris, Derrick,

Isabella, Geoffrey and Claire; psychologist Elenie, and of

Dr Inila wrote “I am so glad you took the time and

weighed up all the evidence before diagnosing me. I liked

that you listened to my opinions as well and took

everything into account. Thank you!!” He’s been inspired

to looking into a nursing career in mental health.

To the Adult Mental Health Unit team, from a family: “We

want to thank the nursing staff for their patience and

endurance with Mum when she was being so difficult to

manage. Thanks to Dr Sandy for giving Mum both her

medical care and real reassurance in those desperately

low times. Thanks to Zorka for looking out for Mum and

Dad, caring for them both, while putting the options

before us to consider as part of Mum’s care plan. Thanks

to Dr Neil for his clear advice, firm medical direction, and

willingness to persist when the options seemed to us to be

dwindling. To Meher, thank you for continuing to care for

Mum and Dad, your calm and steady hand is genuinely

appreciated by us. Your work as team has brought real

quality of life back for Mum and for her family.”

Macquarie Hospital: A letter of appreciation was received

from NSW Mental Health Commissioner Catherine Lourey,

thanking the team for hosting herself and the Hon. Tanya

Davies, Minister for Mental Health, and members of her

team for a walkaround of the hospital. The delegation

were pleased to see the recovery approaches in place

across different units and the uptake of PCLI. She said: “I

am very grateful for your generosity in allowing us access

to the facility as well as the opportunity to talk to your

staff, and I congratulate you on the efforts of your team in

facilitating continuous improvement in our mental health

system.”

To Margie from PCLI Project Manager Linda: “Margie, I

just wanted to say it has been an absolute pleasure having

your assistance. I can honestly say it was the best piece of

the jigsaw puzzle to find. My job has been made easier

and is more accurate with your assistance. Thank you very

much for your support.”

Northern Beaches: to Deepa and the team at East Wing

for their calm professionalism in managing a serious

incident out of hours.

To Barbara (NUM) for her leadership and communication

with the East Wing team.

Staff: do you have a bright idea? The Innovation Program has launched for 2018, and applications are open!

The program format has changed from last year and will now run every quarter, so staff will

have more opportunity to apply. Each quarter the winning project will have a chance at

$50,000 funding to support an innovative idea.

All the program details can be found at http://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/

improvementhub/Pages/Applyforprog.aspx

Please review the website for details and start working up your idea. If you need any support

please contact Gyani Swift, NSLHD Innovation Manager, via

email at: NSLHD-InnovationProgram@health.nsw.gov.au

STAFF—GET INVOLVED

Posters and resources for the event can be found on the NSLHD Intranet’s Falls Prevention Page or the Clinical

Excellence Commission (CEC) website.

Some ideas for your team to embrace the theme could involve hosting a brunch or afternoon tea, share information

and resources and watch the 10 minute NSPNH Falls Prevention Video: https://youtu.be/Gm-rSNPbOyw

The MHDA Falls Prevention Committee will also be rolling out a Falls Prevention board game which can be used as an

engagement and educational activity for staff, consumers and carers.

Please forward details and pictures of your local events to the MHDA Falls Prevention Committee via their wonderful

secretariat Jeanine at jeanine.spratt@health.nsw.gov.au

EVENTS FOR STAFF

11th April: NSLHD Sarcopenia and Frailty Forum, Kolling Building RNS, enrolment via My Health Learning

11th May: NSW Falls Prevention Network Forum, Wesley Conference Centre 2220 Pitt Street. For further details and

registrations- https://fallsnetwork.neura.edu.au and click on Register Now.

ENTER THE NSLHD FALLS PREVENTION COMPETITION

Win $1000 to spend on falls prevention! See below and talk to your Falls Committee Representative for more info.

Show us how you have prevented falls or raised falls

awareness in your work area in the past year.

To enter:

1. Use the entry form (available via your local Falls

Committee Representative or on the intranet),

2. Fill it out, listing your top three strategies to:

prevent falls or falls injury;

reduce or maintain an already low falls rate; or

raise awareness of falls prevention to staff,

consumers and carers.

Strategies must be cost effective, sustainable and engage

consumers/carers.

3. Describe how you plan to spend the $1000 on

falls prevention equipment if you win.

Inpatient teams falls prevention competition

Submit your entry form to Margaret Armstrong (NSLHD Coordinator NSW Falls Policy) at

Margaret.Armstrong@health.nsw.gov.au Entries close Friday May 4, 2018.

Community teams falls prevention competition

Show us how you have prevented falls or raised falls

awareness in your work area in the past year.

To enter:

1. Use the entry form (available via your local Falls

Committee Representative or on the intranet),

2. Fill it out, listing your top three strategies to:

Innovative and/or sustainable solutions to falls

prevention;

Engagement with consumers/carers; or

Optimising access to different consumer

groups.

3. Describe how you plan to spend the $1000

on community falls prevention strategies

(eg: equipment, education) if you win.

MHDA FALLS PREVENTION COMMITTEE

Sector/ Area Representative Who are they?

A group of passionate clinicians from each sector and area of MHDA who are committed to improving the safety of our consumers through collaboration and sharing of experiences and knowledge. Where & when do they meet?

The Committee meets the second Thursday of each month at the Older People’s Mental Health Services Building on the Macquarie Hospital Campus. What do they do?

Enable a standardised and consistent approach across all MHDA sectors in relation to falls and falls prevention activities.

Monitor and trend falls data across MHDA via the Incident Information Management System (IIMS).

Disseminate contemporary and evidence based research and processes in regards to falls prevention and harm from falls.

Coordinate the annually auditing (April) and monitoring of local action plans.

Assist and facilitate quality improvement and clinical practice improvement.

Why?

To improve consumer and carer experiences and outcomes. **Check out who your local rep is and if you have a concern, issue or idea please let them or the committee chair know…they are here to help**

OPMHS Chair of Committee Secretariat

Kerrie Cunningham Jeanine Spratt

NSLHD Falls Prevention Coordinator

Marg Armstrong

Ryde North Shore Mental Health Services

Mandy Meehan (Community) Timothy Farley (Inpatient)

Macquarie Hospital

Anne Duncan Clare Glendenning Pat Zaferis

Northern Beaches Mental Health Services

Heidi Henry (Community) Tanu Arora (Inpatient)

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai

Jenny Kemp (Community) Cindi Roennfeldt (Community) Marco Chan (Inpatient) Ramiro Torres (Inpatient)

CYMHS Kris Taylor

D&A Louise Keane

Check out our poster

www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/improvementhub/Pages/News-

Events.aspx